Steve Borthwick in contention for Lions coaching role

Steve Borthwick is firmly on Warren Gatland’s radar to potentially work with him for the British and Irish Lions this summer.

The PA news agency understands that former England forwards coach and current Leicester boss Borthwick is a leading candidate to be among Lions boss Gatland’s coaching lieutenants.

It is also understood that no formal approaches have yet been made by the Lions to any potential assistant coaches ahead of the Test series against South Africa in July and August.

Ex-England captain Borthwick, 41, was part of Gatland’s coaching staff for the 2017 tour to New Zealand.

The Lions are scheduled to play eight games in South Africa, but the coronavirus pandemic looks like dashing those hopes.

Alternatives include playing the matches on home soil, highlighted by a three or possibly four-Test series against the world champions with Twickenham and Cardiff’s Principality Stadium among the venues, or pursuing Rugby Australia’s interest in hosting Lions fixtures Down Under.

A first home Lions series is looking increasingly likely, though, with talks continuing.